28th SP Forum Cook Islands Sept. 15 to 22, 1997

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): June 17, 1997 -
Preparations are underway for the scheduled 28th South Pacific Forum
in the Cook Islands from September 15th to the 22nd, 1997.

President Jacob Nena on June 9, 1997 extended an invitation to
Kosrae Governor Moses Mackwelung to join the FSM delegation to the
meeting but regretted that due to financial constraints, as in
previous cases, the National Government is unable to absorb the costs
of Mackwelung's participation.

The FSM delegation to be headed by President Nena will include
First lady Lerina, Ambassador Alik and Mrs. Alik, Secretary Asterio
Takesy, Assistant Lorin Robert both from the Department of External
Affairs.

It is anticipated that the 28th Forum meeting agenda will include
discussions on recommendations on economic reform issues resulting
from the Forum Economic Minister's meeting in Cairns, Australia,
scheduled for July 11, 1997. FSM Delegation will be headed by
President's nominee as Secretary of the Department of Resources and
Development, Sebastian Anefal with his nominee as FSM Ambassador to
Fiji, Alik Alik. The nominations of Alik Alik and Takesy are pending
confirmation of Congress.

The selection of a new Secretary-General to replace Iremia Tabai
whose term will be ending next year is also expected to be on the
agenda as well as sustainable development issues, political and
security issues, institutional and the host for the next South
pacific Forum.

To date, Western Samoa has indicated that its current ambassador
to the United Nations, Ambassador Slade, will be a candidate to fill
the Forum Secretary-general post, according to Deputy Assistant
Secretary, Department of External Affairs Kandhi Elieiser.